From Hum TV to Bol Entertainment and everyone in between, we now have a new kid on the Ramzan drama block and it’s none other than Green Entertainment’s Rafta Rafta. Here’s what you need to know if you want to add it to your watch list!
If Ramzan dramas had a cut-off limit on the number of projects allowed in one season, we would have a rationing of sorts. Hmmm, let’s see, there’s Very Filmy, then Dil Pe Dastak, Chand Nagar, Tere Mere Sapne, Ishqaway, and now … Rafta Rafta. Did anyone say Umm e Ayesha? Oh well, let’s dive right in, the more the merrier right? And Ramzan Dramas in 2024 seem to be following this mantra!
The Story – Apart From the Rest
Green has decided to go a different route minus the big Ramzan family. Saheefa Jabbar aka Savera is an only daughter of a single mom, presumably suffering from early stages of dementia. As the sole caregiver, she is responsible for making sure their financial needs are met, which means collecting rent from tenants who often default in their payments. Savera doesn’t mince words, is practical, down to earth and not your shy, typical young girl wanting to fall in love. The role suits the actor who has returned to Tv after approximately 4 years MIA and we have to say, it’s good to see her taking on a practical Gen Z role.
What Saheefa does have to deal with is a tenant aka Hamza played by Zaviyar Nouman Ejaz who is practically smitten by her. This crush is of course, one-sided. While Hamza tries hard to see his insurance policies and often falls short in the same endeavour, Savera struggles with rent collection.
Only 2 to 3 episodes down and we already feel the story will keep things moving. From Hamza trying to impress Savera by helping her collect rent from a troubling tenant, to Savera, needing someone to talk to other than her mom, the drama is keeping it sane for now. Nothing too outrageous, or incredible, a relatable storyline with two people desperately trying to make ends meet and avoiding arranged marriage.
But how will these two (non) love birds find a happy place and each other is anybody’s guess. We’d like to keep this one on our watch list, primarily for the engaging performances from the leads. Faizan Sheikh – Munawar, as Hamza’s trusted friend is also adding traction to the script.
Zaviyar & Saheefa in A Brand New Look
It’s good to see both leads working on giving audiences a new appearance, making the character onscreen more enjoyable to watch. Saheefa sports a shorter bob-cut hairdo and also delivers a role different from her previous work. E.g. Log Kiya Kahenge, where she played a more traditional character. Savera has no frills, or filter for that matter. She says what she thinks and she thinks what she says, the character is refreshing to watch onscreen, yet, there is a veiled thought process working inside her head as she contemplates Hamza and tries to make sense of his presence in her life. She’s not your damsel in distress for sure, but a partner in crime might help ease her struggles and add the magic to her life – Hamza could be that partner?
Savera definitely fits right in to our expectations of what we want our modern day heroine to look like. Perhaps a tad too outspoken but then, the girl has a lot to deal with, and does it with not a single crease on her forehead!
Zaviyar as Hamza on the other hand, is sporting a brand new hairdo which, we have to say is nailing his look. We saw him in Mujhe Pyar Hua Tha of late and it’s great to see a different version. Actors must continue to play and experiment with their look, and the effort seems to have turned out well. Hamza is charming, desperately crushing over Savera, but not quite giving us stalker feels (thank Goodness), so all good there. There is an element of comedy as he pairs up with Faizaan Sheikh’s aka Munawar, his best buddy and that too, is well served friendship goals. It’s good to see Zaviyar delving in a light role after watching him play some intense characters earlier on.
Direction & Storytelling
The screenplay and direction for Rafta Rafta is simple, unpretentious and hits the relatable mark. The makers aren’t trying to do too much or cutting corners. The drama seems to be holding its own in both script and execution by not going head on against any of the big productions onscreen presently. Green Entertainment must be lauded for doing things differently and not taking the heat from the competition. there’s something about putting your nose to the grind stone and letting things roll out one drama at a time, trusting in your plan, yet keeping a finger on the pulse of Pakistani drama audiences.
Rafta Rafta is taking a few political digs, especially in the second episode. Like all comedy in times like ours, one plays with words and dialogues. The references are direct, esp. mention of a “shareef” family and “tashaddud” and audiences are “getting” it so far. Many might not appreciate the humour , though others are lapping it up!
It’s early days yet, but we suggest to give Rafta Rafta a watch. It might just be up your alley and one never knows what clicks in the Ramzan Drama offering. It’s a free drama world, viewers are spoilt for choice, so go ahead, watch, and tell us what you think of the newest drama on the block!
Rafta Rafta is written by Hassan Imam and directed by Abdul Khaliq Khan. It is produced under BJ production. The cast features Hina Dilpazeer, Rehan Sheikh, Shaheen Khan, Zaviyar Noman, Saheefa Jabbar Khatak, Faizan Sheikh, Afifa Sheikh, and Adnan Sodha.
